A Block Party for the Kids, Installment Three

On Sunday afternoon the block party on a residential street in White Rock BC began when 35 helmeted kids of various ages toured the block on their bikes and entered the park from the top of the knoll next door to where our grandkids live.  Barbecues and tables of food had been set up with salads, desserts and lemonade.  

The stage was a pop-up tent on the street, at the bottom of the slope.  Music from the sound system filled the air.  The hill made a natural amphitheatre and people sat on the grass. Our grandchildren along with other neighborhood kids were scheduled for the program.  Our six-year-old granddaughter danced the Highland fling with her friend.  Her eight-year-old brother, a slender soccer-player, showed off his muscles in a comedy act when he pretended to be a strong man and lifted a dumbbell that he and his dad had labeled 1000 lbs.  Their brother, who is 10, sang a Justin Bieber song with music from a CD.  He was a highlight, smiling throughout his performance.  Other kids in the talent show sang and danced.  One six-year-old actually climbed a tall spruce tree as his contribution.  I was invited to participate by playing a bagpipe selection.  Spontaneously, everyone clapped in unison to “Scotland the Brave.”

With their hands tied behind their backs, and their kids cheering them on, dads competed in the Jell-O eating contest.  It was amusing to see one little fellow devouring the remains from his father’s pie plate.

At dusk, families returned for an outdoor movie and popcorn.  The show was comical and chosen for the kids, now snuggled in sleeping bags and staying warm on this cool evening.  Parents were pleased to know their little guys and girls had fully enjoyed the block party.